Diocese admits some priests already own guns

The Philippine National Police (PNP) bared that several priests in San Pablo, Laguna are already gun owners as the national police organization reiterated its support in arming members.

While the clergy did not deny the fact that a number of priests own specific firearms, the acquisition of guns happened before attacks against clerics happened, killing three of them the past six months.

However, Famadico said he has already met with the said priests during a clergy recollection on Monday and urged them to dispose their guns as having one is against the teachings of the Catholic Church.

The Laguna prelate also revealed that they already arrived at a common policy when it comes to guns during their recent clergy assembly.

“We came up with a common policy. Each will not own a gun. Personally, I do not approve of priests owning a gun for whatever purposes,” said Famadico.

The issue on arming priests stemmed from the killings of three members of the clergy in the last six months, including the sensational case of Father Richmond Nilo in Nueva Ecija. (With a report from Leslie Ann G. Aquino)